JP2017526472A - Personal descent system - Google Patents

Abstract

A personal descent system is presented. The personal descent system includes a support structure coupling assembly and a controlled descent device. The support structure coupling assembly is designed and configured to be coupled to the descending lifeline. The support structure coupling assembly includes an adapter connection member. The adapter connection member is designed and configured to couple various types of lifelines and lanyards to the support structure coupling assembly. The controlled lowering device is selectively coupled to the support structure coupling assembly. The controlled lowering device is designed and configured to be coupled to a safety harness worn by the user. The controlled descent device is further configured to separate from the support structure coupling assembly while the descent operation is performed while controlling the delivery of the descent lifeline. [Selection] Figure 1

Description

Mutual contrast against related applications

  This application claims priority to US Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 049,629, filed Sep. 12, 2014, which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

  Workers working at high places use various types of safety devices in preparation for falling situations. Commonly used safety devices include a safety harness worn by an operator, and an automatic winding lifeline system that interconnects the safety harness to a support structure. When an operator falls, the automatic winding lifeline brake system stops the fall. However, once the fall stops, an effective system is needed to rescue the worker and move it to a safe location and prevent the worker from hanging for a long time with a safety harness. Furthermore, there is a need for a system that allows a rescuer to rescue the worker and move it to a safe location in situations where the worker is unconscious.

  For the reasons set forth above and for other reasons described below that will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding this specification, to rescue a worker who has fallen into a safe position There is a need in the art for an effective and efficient system.

  The above problems of current systems are addressed by embodiments of the present invention, but will be understood by reading and studying the following specification. The following summary is provided as an example and is in no way limiting. This is presented merely to assist the reader in understanding some of the aspects of the present invention.

  In one embodiment, a personal descent system is presented. The personal descent system includes a support structure coupling assembly and a controlled descent device. The support structure coupling assembly is designed and configured to be coupled to the descending lifeline. The support structure coupling assembly includes an adapter connection member. The adapter connection member is designed and configured to couple various types of lifelines and lanyards to the support structure coupling assembly. The controlled lowering device is selectively coupled to the support structure coupling assembly. The controlled lowering device is designed and configured to be coupled to a safety harness worn by the user. The controlled descent device is further configured to separate from the support structure coupling assembly while the descent operation is performed while controlling the delivery of the descent lifeline.

  In another embodiment, another personal descent system is presented. The personal descent system includes a descent lifeline, a support structure coupling assembly, and a controlled descent device. The support structure coupling assembly includes a main connection member and a D-ring. The main connecting member includes a latch arm attachment opening. The descent lifeline is coupled to the main connecting member. The D-ring is connected to the main connection member. The controlled lowering device includes a housing, a latch arm, a brake assembly, and a self-deploying system. The housing is designed and configured to be coupled to a safety harness worn by the user. The latch arm is pivotally connected to the housing. A latch arm is selectively received within the latch arm mounting opening of the main connection member for selectively coupling the support structure coupling assembly to the controlled lowering device. The brake assembly is received in the housing. The brake assembly engages the descent lifeline to control the descent lifeline payout. The self-expanding system is designed and configured such that the latch arm is disengaged from the latch arm mounting opening of the main connection member by selectively releasing the latch arm to pivot relative to the housing.

  In another embodiment, yet another personal descent system is presented. The personal descent system includes a descent lifeline, a support structure coupling assembly, a controlled descent device, and a spool. The support structure coupling assembly includes a main connection member and an adapter connection member, the main connection member having a latch arm attachment opening. The descent lifeline is coupled to the main connecting member. The adapter connection member is coupled to the main connection member. The adapter connection member is designed and configured to couple the support lifeline to the support structure coupling assembly. The controlled lowering device includes a housing, a latch arm, and a brake system. A pair of spaced down connecting arms extend from the housing. A pair of spaced-apart descent connection arms have aligned routing openings. A latch arm is pivotally coupled between the lowering connection arms. A latch arm is selectively received in the latch arm mounting opening of the main connection member for selectively coupling the support structure coupling assembly to the controlled lowering device. A brake system is housed in the housing. The brake assembly engages the descent lifeline to at least partially control the payout of the descent lifeline. A spool is used to hold at least a portion of the descending lifeline. The descent lifeline enters the housing inlet from the spool, passes through the housing brake system, exits the housing exit, and is routed through the aligned routing opening in the descent connection arm to the main connector member. .

  In yet another embodiment, another personal descent system is presented. In this embodiment, the personal descent system includes a descent lifeline, a support structure and control descent device, a spool, and a sealed container. The support structure coupling assembly is designed and configured to be coupled to the descending lifeline. The controlled lowering device is selectively coupled to the support structure coupling assembly. The controlled lowering device includes a housing, a separation seal, a brake assembly, and a self-deploying system. The housing is designed and configured to be coupled to a safety harness worn by the user. The housing has an inlet path through which the descent lifeline enters the housing and an outlet path out of the housing. A separation seal is positioned near the outlet of the housing. The brake assembly is received in the housing. The brake assembly engages the descent lifeline to control the descent lifeline payout. The self-expanding system is designed and configured to selectively separate the controlled lowering device from the support structure coupling assembly. The spool is designed and configured to hold at least a portion of the descending lifeline. The descent lifeline enters the inlet path from the spool to the housing. The sealed container is positioned around the spool to prevent moisture and litter from reaching the descending lifeline on the spool.

  The present invention can be more easily understood and the further advantages and uses thereof will be readily apparent when considered in conjunction with the following detailed description and the following drawings.

1 is a side perspective view of a support structure coupling assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a personal descent system of an embodiment of the present invention including the support structure coupling assembly of FIG. 2B is a rear perspective view of the personal descent system of FIG. 2A. FIG. 2B is a partial front cutaway view of the personal descent system of FIG. 2A illustrating the brake element of the controlled descent device in one embodiment of the present invention. 2B is a partial front cutaway view of the personal descent system of FIG. 2A prior to deployment in one embodiment. FIG. 2B is a partial front cutaway view of the personal descent system of FIG. 2A after deployment in one embodiment of the present invention. 2B is a partial front cutaway view of the personal descent system of FIG. 2A being pulled and deployed by another in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 2B is a partial front cutaway view of the personal descent system of FIG. 2A after others have pulled and deployed in one embodiment of the present invention. It is a partial front perspective view of a part of the control lowering device in an embodiment of the present invention. 2B is a front view of the personal descent system of FIG. 2A illustrating rope routing prior to deployment in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 2B is a front view of the personal descent system of FIG. 2A illustrating the routing of the rope after deployment in one embodiment of the present invention. 2B is a front perspective view of the personal descent system of FIG. 2A coupled to a self-winding lifeline connector in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2B is a front perspective view of the personal descent system of FIG. 2A coupled to another self-winding lifeline connector in another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 2B is a front perspective view of the personal descent system of FIG. 2A coupled to a safety harness in one embodiment of the present invention. It is a partial front perspective view of a control lowering device and a rope delivery spool in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of a personal descent system according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a partially exploded side perspective view of the personal descent system of FIG. 10. 1 is a side perspective view of a support structure coupling assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 12B is a side view of the support structure coupling assembly of FIG. 12A. FIG. 12B is a side perspective exploded view of the support structure coupling assembly of FIG. 12A. FIG. 11 is a partial front view of the personal descent system of FIG. 10. FIG. 13B is an enlarged view of a part of FIG. 13A. FIG. 11 is a partial front view of the personal descent system of FIG. 10. FIG. 11 is a rear view of the personal descent system of FIG. 10. FIG. 11 is a front view of the personal descent system of FIG. 10 during activation in a first time period. FIG. 11 is a front view of the personal descent system of FIG. 10 during activation in a second time period. It is a front view of the accommodation system of one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a view of the containment system of FIG. 17 coupled to a safety harness worn by an operator. It is a partial side view of the accommodation system of another embodiment of this invention. FIG. 20 is a partial view of the inner chamber of the containment system of FIG. 19. FIG. 20 is a front view of the accommodation system of FIG. 19.

  In accordance with common practice, the various described features are not drawn to scale but are drawn to emphasize specific features relevant to the present invention. Reference characters indicate similar elements throughout the drawings and text.

  In the following Detailed Description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments have been described in sufficient detail for those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and other embodiments may be used and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Understood. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the claims and equivalents.

  Embodiments of the present invention present a personal descent system 200 that can be used at a rescue site. Referring to FIG. 1, this is a side perspective view of a support structure coupling assembly 100 that forms part of a personal descent system 200 in the illustrated embodiment. The support structure coupling assembly 100 includes a D-ring 102. In this embodiment, the D-ring 102 has a rescue portion 102a that forms a rescue opening 103 and a neck portion 102b. A lifeline (not shown) or the like can be attached to the rescue portion 102a at the rescue site. The neck portion 102b of the support structure coupling assembly 100 extends from the rescue portion 102a. The neck portion 102b continues to the D-ring connection portion 102c. In particular, the neck portion 102b of the D-ring 102 is positioned between the rescue portion 102a of the support structure coupling assembly 100 and the D-ring connecting portion 102c. The D-ring connection portion 102c includes a pair of arms 104a and 104b, best illustrated in FIG. 2A. A portion of the main connection member 106 is positioned between the pair of arms 104 a and 104 b of the support structure coupling assembly 100. The pivot connection pin 105 is routed through openings through the arms 104a and 104b of the D ring connection portion 102c of the D ring 102 and the D ring connection opening 107 (illustrated in FIG. 1) of the main connection member 106. A D-ring 102 is pivotally connected to the main connection member 106. The main connection member 106 is shaped to position the various connection openings 107, 109, 111, and 113 relative to each other. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the main connecting member 106 has a generally triangular shape with rounded corners. The spaced connection openings 107, 109, 111, and 113 include the D-ring connection opening 107, the adapter member opening 109, the latch arm attachment opening 111, and the descending lifeline end opening 113. The support structure coupling assembly 100 further includes a D-ring biasing member 120, which is a spring in the embodiment of FIG. The D-ring biasing member 120 includes a coil portion 120 a that is positioned around at least a portion of the pivot connection pin 105 in the illustrated embodiment. The D-ring biasing member 120 includes a first arm portion 120b that is received in the cavity of the neck portion 102b of the D-ring 102, and a second arm portion 120c that is received in the cavity of the main connection member 106. When the support structure coupling assembly 100 is attached to the safety harness 600 (illustrated in FIG. 8), the D-ring biasing member 120 is such that the rescue portion 102a extends to the upper position and is accessible. 102 is urged to the access position. The D-ring 102 is not only used at the rescue site as described above, but also as a lanyard attachment point used as a wearer's primary lifeline when the user chooses to use a lanyard instead of an SRL It is also intended to be done.

  Referring again to FIG. 1, the adapter connection member 130 is also attached to the main connection member 106 of the support structure coupling assembly 100. The adapter connection member 130 includes a receiving head portion 130a, a neck portion 130b, and a base connector portion 130c. The neck portion 130b is positioned between the receiving head portion 130a and the base connector portion 130c. Base connector portion 130c includes a first arm 131a and a second arm 131b, as best shown in FIG. 2A. The aligned connector pins 132 that pass through the openings of the first arm 131a and the second arm 131b of the adapter connection member 130 and the adapter member opening 109 of the main connection member 106 are connected to the adapter connection member 130. 106 is pivotally connected. The receiving head portion 130a of the adapter connection member 130 includes a receiving path 133 shaped to receive a self-winding lifeline (SRL) coupling member, which will be described in detail below. The shape of the receiving path 133 in this exemplary embodiment is generally rectangular, with a notch 135 at one edge forming a rectangular portion. The receiving head portion 130a of the adapter connection member 130 further includes a first surface 129a and an opposite second surface 129b.

  A control descent device 140 that constitutes the personal descent system 200 is selectively attached to the support structure coupling assembly 100. The personal descent system 200 is illustrated in the front perspective view of FIG. 2A and the rear perspective side view of FIG. 2B. The controlled descent device 140 is used to achieve a controlled descent in a rescue situation. When the controlled descent device 140 is activated to bring the operator down to the desired position for rescue, the descent lifeline 202 (ropes, cables, etc., shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B) is advanced at a selected speed. . This is further described below. As illustrated in FIG. 2B, the latch arm 142 of the control lowering device 140 selectively passes the control lowering device 140 to the support structure coupling assembly 100 through the latch arm attachment opening 111 of the main connection member 106. Link. The latch arm 142 includes a first end 142a that is pivotally connected via a pivot connector 144 between the lower connection arms 141a and 141b of the housing 141 of the control lowering device 140. The latch arm 142 further includes a second end 142b. The second end 142b of the latch arm 142 is selectively received by the lock pin 252 to selectively secure the latch arm 142 relative to the control lowering device 140 (which will be described in more detail below). A lock opening 143 to be provided. The lower housing further includes fuse connection arms 146a and 146b. The fuse connecting arms 146a and 146b have aligned fuse holes 148a and 148b, in which the fuse 150 is held. The fuse 150 prevents the control drop device 140 from being unintentionally deployed. The rear perspective view of FIG. 2B also illustrates a safety harness connection assembly 170 that includes a pair of spaced harness connection arms 172a and 172b extending from the rear of the housing 141. The housing connection pin 174 passes through an aligned path in the harness connection arms 172a and 172b. Safety harness straps 602 and 604 (or straps) of safety harness 600 (illustrated in FIG. 8) include housing connection pins 174 and descent housing 141 to connect personal descent system 200 to safety harness 600. It is positioned between. In one embodiment, the straps 602 and 604 are coupled to the personal descent system 200 where the straps 602 and 604 of the safety harness 600 intersect at the back of the user.

  A self-deployment system 250 (generally referred to as deployment system 250) is also illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The user deployment system 250 includes an end loop portion 250a that allows a user to grasp and pull the user deployment system 250 to activate the user deployment system 250. In one embodiment, the user deployment system 250 is made from a wire cable. With reference to the front view of FIG. 2C, the control descent device 140 also includes a brake system 300 that helps control the payout speed of the descent lifeline 202 (illustrated in FIG. 6A). The brake system 300 in this embodiment includes a main gear 302 that is rotatably connected to the central rotor 304 by a rotor gear (not shown). The pair of brake claws 306a and 306b are pivotally connected to the central rotor 304. The brake pawl portions 306a and 306b are rotatably engaged with the inner surface 307 of the housing 141 so as to generate friction so as to delay the delivery of the descending lifeline 202. The brake pulley 310 is connected to rotate together with the main gear 302. Further, the brake pulley 310 is then engaged with the rope as shown in FIG. 6A and described in detail below.

  A front cutout of the personal descent system 200 prior to deployment is illustrated in FIG. 3A. As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the elongated portion 250 b (elongated portion) of the deployment system 250 is coupled to the lock pin 252. As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the lock pin 252 is selected within the lock opening 143 of the latch arm 142 to selectively secure the latch arm 142 in a stationary position relative to the housing 141 of the control lowering device 140. Including a first locking end 252a designed to be received by the user. The lock pin 252 further includes a second connection end 252b coupled to the elongated portion 250b of the deployment system 250. The lock pin 252 and a portion of the elongated portion 250 b of the deployment system 250 are received within the deployment path 256 of the housing 141. In particular, in this embodiment, deployment path 256 has a first portion 256a having a first diameter and a second portion 256b having a second, larger diameter. The deployment path shoulder 256c is at the transition between the first portion 256a and the second portion 256b. The first lock end 252a of the lock pin 252 allows the first lock end 252a to be snugly received within the second portion 256b of the deployment path 256 and the lock opening 143 of the latch arm 142. , Having a first diameter. The second connection end 252b of the lock pin 252 has a second, smaller diameter. The lock pin shoulder 252c is formed at a transition portion between the first lock end 252a and the second connection end 252b of the lock pin 252. The lock urging member 254 is received around the second connection end 252 b of the lock pin 252. In particular, the lock biasing member 254 (a spring in this embodiment) abuts the lock pin shoulder 252c of the lock pin 252 to bias the lock pin 252 into the lock opening 143 of the latch arm 142. It has a first end and a second end that contacts the deployment path shoulder 256c.

  FIG. 3B illustrates a portion of the front notch section of the personal descent system 200 after deployment. In particular, FIG. 3A shows the deployment system 250 being pulled to resist the biasing force of the lock biasing member 254. In use, this is typically done by the user pulling the end loop portion 250a of the deployment system 250. By this action, the first lock end 252 a of the lock pin 252 exits from the lock opening 143 of the latch arm 142. The weight on the latch arm 142 (which is the user's weight that will be applied during the fall) causes the latch arm 142 to rotate about the pivot connection 144 with the housing 141. As the latch arm 142 rotates, it is withdrawn from the latch arm attachment opening 111 (shown in FIG. 3A) of the main connection member 106 to release the control lowering device 140 from the main connection member 106. In one embodiment, if the weight is not sufficient to destroy the fuse 150 (shown in FIG. 2B), it will not pivot open when the lock pin is disengaged from the lock opening 143 of the latch arm 142. This situation can occur when the deployment system 250 is accidentally pulled (ie, caught on something) even though no falling situation has occurred. The position of the main connection member 106 of the support structure coupling assembly 100 relative to the latch arm 142 reduces the load on the lock pin 252 (biased toward the center of the latch arm 142) and facilitates the deployment system 250. . In addition, the bottom surface of the latch arm 142 is angled so that it can easily slide from the latch arm mounting opening 111 of the main connection member 106 of the support structure coupling assembly 100 when the control lowering device 140 is deployed. It comes to come off.

  Embodiments also include a buddy deployment system 320 that interacts with a self-deployment system 250 (deployment system 250). The buddy deployment system 320 is used in situations where the user cannot activate the self-deployment system 250. This may occur when the deployment system 250 cannot be activated in a manner that is unconscious to the user or otherwise. Buddy deployment system 320 is illustrated in FIG. 4A. In particular, FIG. 4A illustrates a buddy deployment system 320 that deploys the latch arm 142. The buddy deployment system 320 includes a buddy activation base member 322, a stop 330, and an engagement loop 324. The buddy activation base member 322 includes a first inclined portion 322c having a first activated portion 322a, a second connecting portion 322b, and an inclined surface 323 that is a transition between the first activated portion 322a and the second connecting portion 322b. including. Inclined surface 323, in one embodiment, has a cam surface that allows easy activation at any angle. The stop 330 is coupled to the self-deployment system 250 at the selected position. The first activation portion 322a further includes a slot 326 and a seat 328 (illustrated in FIG. 3B). The elongated portion 250 b of the deployment system 250 is received in the slot 326 of the buddy activation base member 322. The diameter of the stop 330 is larger than the width of the slot 326. In one embodiment, the stop 330 is a buddy activation base member 322 between the first activation portion 322a and the second connection portion 322b of the buddy activation base member 322 under tension provided by the lock biasing member 254. Is located in the seat 328. To activate the buddy deployment system 320, the engagement loop 324 coupled to the second connection portion 322b of the buddy activation base member 322 is pulled. This can be done through the use of hook and pole configurations, etc., operated by a rescuer. When the engagement loop 324 is pulled, the stop 330 is propelled along the inclined surface 323 of the central inclined portion 322c of the buddy activation base member 322 to the first activation portion 322a. Since the width of the first activation portion 322a is larger than the distance that the lock pin 252 should move to disengage the lock opening 143 of the latch arm 142, the stop portion 310 connected to the long member 250b is inclined. As it moves along surface 333, latch arm 142 disengages, as illustrated in FIG. 4A. The central inclined portion 322c of the buddy activation base member 322 does not propel the stop 330 onto the inclined surface 323 under normal conditions while the lock biasing member 254 stops the buzzer deployment system 320 when activated. It has a selected curvature to allow 330 to climb the ramp 323. One feature of the buddy deployment system 320 is that the buddy activation base member 322 separates from the personal descent system 200 after deployment, as illustrated in FIG. 4B. This ensures that the buddy activation base member 322 and engagement loop 324 portion of the buddy deployment system 320 and the rescue hook and pole configuration (not shown) are not pulled away from the rescuer's hand during deployment. .

  With reference to FIG. 5, a portion of the housing 141 is illustrated. In this figure, an opening to a deployment path 256 is shown in one embodiment. In this embodiment, the opening does not impede movement of the deployment system 250 no matter which direction the elongate member 250b of the deployment system 250 is pulled relative to the lowering housing 141 for activation. As such, it includes a cylindrical mouth 257 having a selected curvature.

  The arrangement of the descent lifeline 202 is illustrated in FIG. 6A. In particular, FIG. 6A illustrates the routing of the descent lifeline 202 prior to deployment of the personal descent system 200. The descent lifeline 202 stored on the spool 700 in the pouch 702 of the safety harness 600 (shown in FIG. 9) is routed around the brake pulley 310 of the brake system 300 through the routing bracket 147, This then loops through the routing openings 145 of the descent connection arms 141a and 141b of the descent housing 141, and then, as illustrated in FIG. 6A, the descent lifeline termination opening of the main connection member 106 The unit 113 is tied. With reference to FIG. 6B, the routing of the rope after deployment is illustrated. As illustrated in FIG. 6B, the latch arm 142 is released by the deployment system 250. Here, the latch arm 142 is not engaged in the main connection member 106 and allows the main connection member to be separated from the housing 141. The separation speed of the main connection member 106 (and the D-ring 102) is controlled by the braking system 300 and the descent lifeline 202 that passes through the routing path described above. The routing path provides friction to the descent lifeline 202. In other embodiments, the descent lifeline 202 may be wound in a bag or by other means other than a spool, including but not limited to, multiple folds to make the lifeline elastic. Saved.

  As described above, the adapter connection member 130 coupled to the main connection member 106 can be used to couple various types of SRLs or other suitable lifelines or lanyards to the base plate 106. Referring to FIG. 7A, to connect a Nano-Lok ™ edge mounting system 400 for DBI-SALA® SRL (not shown) from Capital Safety USA, Red Wing, Minnesota. An example of the adapter connection member 130 used is illustrated. The Nano-Lok ™ edge mounting system 400 includes a connecting member 402. The coupling member 402 has a first portion 402a sized to pass through a receiving path 133 (shown in FIG. 1) of the adapter connection member 130, while the second plate portion 402b of the coupling member 402 is an adapter connection member. Designed to engage 130 first surfaces 129a (shown in FIG. 1). A fixing pin 406 of the connector 404 is received in the holding opening of the first portion 402 a of the connecting member 402 to fix the connector 404 to the adapter connecting member 130. In particular, this configuration positions the connector 404 to engage the second surface 129 b of the adapter connection member 130. The connector 404 is fixed to the adapter connection member 130 because the connector is larger than the reception path 133 of the adapter connection member 130 and therefore cannot be pulled through the reception path 133. An example of a different mounting system is illustrated in FIG. 7B. An example of this mounting system is the Nano-Lok ™ mounting system 500 for DBI-SALA® Nano-Lok ™ SRL (not shown) from Capital Safety USA, Red Wing, Minnesota. It is. The attachment system 500 includes a coupling member 502 having a first portion 502 a that passes through a receiving path 133 (shown in FIG. 1) of the adapter connection member 130. The second portion 502 b of the coupling member 502 that does not fit through the receiving path 133 engages the first surface 129 a of the adapter connection member 130. The attachment system further includes a connector 506. The connector 506 includes a connecting portion 507 designed to be received in a hole in the first portion 502a of the coupling member 131. Since the connector 506 is larger than the receiving path 133 of the adapter connecting member 130, the connector 506 cannot be pulled through the receiving path 133 and internally secures the Nano-Lok ™ mounting system 500 to the adapter connecting member 130. . It will be appreciated that other suitable connecting members may be used to accommodate other types of lifelines or lanyards.

  As described above, FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of the personal descent system 200 attached to the safety harness 600. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the rescue portion 102a of the D-ring 102 is biased to an upper position for easy access at the rescue site. Thus, personal descent device 200 provides two rescue methods. The first method is to move the worker to a safe place by the engagement of the D-ring 102, and the second method is to lower the worker to a safe place by deploying the control lowering device 140. . In addition, the self-deployment system 250 may be operatively coupled to a shoulder strap for ease of use. Further, as described above, as illustrated in FIG. 9, in one embodiment, a pouch 702 is attached to the safety harness 600 to hold the spool 700 of the lowering lifeline 202 loaded into the controlled lowering device. To do.

  Referring to FIG. 10, a second embodiment 900 of a personal descent system is presented. This embodiment includes a support structure coupling assembly 800, a controlled lowering device 840, and a lowering lifeline 902. The support structure coupling assembly 800 generally includes a D-ring 802, a main connection member 906, and an adapter connection member 930, as described below. Control lowering device 840 generally includes a housing 841, a self-deployment system 950, and a buddy deployment system 960 that includes a buddy activation base member 1322. The personal descent device 900 in this embodiment further includes a spool bracket 1100 and a spool 1000 for holding a descent lifeline 902. A partial exploded view of the personal descent system 900 is illustrated in FIG. This figure illustrates a control lowering device 840 that includes a first housing portion 841a and a second housing portion 841b that constitute the housing 841. In one embodiment, the first housing portion 841a and the second housing portion 841b are sealed together by a housing seal 750. A brake assembly, indicated generally as 861, is housed in a cavity formed by the first housing portion 841a and the second housing portion 841b. The brake assembly 861 includes a main gear 852. The main gear 852 includes outer teeth 852a and a central main gear path 851 having a selected shape. In this embodiment, the selected shape is a hexagon. The brake assembly 861 further includes a central rotor 854. Coupled to the central rotor 854 is a rotor tooth 854a designed and arranged to engage the outer teeth 852a of the main gear 852. The central rotor 854 is mounted in the first housing portion 841a and the second housing portion 841b via the rotor shaft 862. The rotor shaft 862 is received within each housing seat within the first housing portion 841a and the second housing portion 841b. Further, the rotor shaft bearings 860a and 860b are positioned within corresponding housing seats to engage each end of the rotor shaft 862. A pair of brake pawls 856a and 856b are pivotally connected to an arm extending in the opposite direction of the central rotor 854. Brake pads 857a and 857b are connected to brake pawl portions 856a and 856b, respectively. Brake pads 857 a and 857 b engage a brake chamber 837 formed in the first housing portion 841 a of the personal descent system 900.

  The brake assembly 861 further includes a brake pulley 812. The brake pulley 812 includes a gear engaging portion 812a designed to be received in the central main gear path 851 of the main gear 852. The brake pulley 812 further includes a central path 813 through which the pulley shaft 814 rotatably couples the brake pulley 812 and main gear 852 to the first housing portion 841a and the second housing portion 841b. In particular, the pulley shaft 814 is received in each seat within each housing of the first housing portion 841a and the second housing portion 841b. In the embodiment shown, bearings 858 a and 858 b are received at each end of pulley shaft 814. A routing pulley 810 is rotatably coupled in the first housing portion 841a and the second housing portion 841b in the vicinity of the brake pulley 812. As shown in FIG. 14, the descent lifeline 902 is routed around the routing pulley 810 and the brake pulley 812.

  The descending lifeline 902 passes through the bottom of the first housing portion 841a via a threaded inlet path, generally designated 845 in FIG. A sealing bolt 872 having a central lifeline path 872a is screwed into a threaded inlet path 845 in the first housing portion 841a to connect the spool bracket 1100 to the first housing portion 841a. A sealed connection is realized using the sealing washer 874. As best illustrated in FIG. 14, the descent lifeline 902 passes through the central lifeline path 872 a of the sealing bolt 872. In one embodiment, a sealed container 1200, such as a poly bag, surrounds the spool 1000 and spool bracket 1100 (shown at the bottom of FIG. 14). Sealing bolts 872 positioned around the descent lifeline 902 are first routed through the spool bracket 1100 and then through the holes in the poly bag 1200. The sealing washer 874 is then placed in place and the screw of the sealing bolt 872 engages the screw of the path 845. This configuration provides a sealed connection between the spool 1000 of the descending lifeline 902 and the brake assembly 861 of the housing 841 described below. The descending lifeline 902 further passes through the outlet path 843 of the first housing portion 841a. In one embodiment, a separation seal 870 is used to prevent litter and moisture from entering the housing 841. The personal descent system 900 in this embodiment also includes a first deployment seal 752 and a second deployment seal 754. As shown in FIG. 13A, the first deployment seal 752 is positioned around the lock pin 1252 of the self-deployment system 950, and the second deployment seal 754 is cylindrical in the housing 841, as shown in FIGS. It is positioned in the development path 740 near the mouth 757. These deployment seals 752 and 754 prevent debris and moisture from entering the housing 841.

  As illustrated in FIG. 11, the spool bracket 1100 includes a central mid plate 1110a with side plates 1110b and 1110c extending on opposite sides forming a generally U-shape. Midplate 1110a includes a lifeline path 1111c through which descent lifeline 902 extends. Each of the extending side plates 1110b and 1110c includes mounting openings 1111a and 1111b (shown in FIG. 15). Spool bearings 1020a and 1020b passing through the mounting openings 1111a and 1111b, respectively, rotatably couple the spool 1000 to the spool bracket 1100. The spool 1000 includes a central hub 1000c and a first disk 1000a and a second disk 1000b that are attached so as to face each other. Central hub 1000c includes a central spool path 1001 in which spool bearings 1020a and 1020b are each received.

  Similar to the personal descent system 200 described above, the latch arm 842 is coupled to the second housing portion 841b of the housing 841 via a pivot connection 844 that passes through the descent connection arms 847a and 847b. The personal descent device 900 of this embodiment further includes a self-expanding system 950 that includes an elongated portion 950b (elongated portion) and an end loop portion 250a to allow a user to grip the self-expanding system 950. Including. This is similar to the deployment system 250 described above. Further, similar to the personal descent system 200 described above, the personal descent system 900 includes a stop 923 for the elongated portion 950b and a buddy activation base member 1322. In this embodiment, the buddy deployment system 960 includes an elongated portion 960a (an elongated buddy portion) that is connected at one end to the buddy activation base member 1322 and at the other end to the buddy activation portion 961. The buddy activation portion 961 includes an activation base 961a and an activation connection portion 961b, which are further described below.

  FIG. 11 further illustrates a ratchet arm 762 and a pin 764. The ratchet arm 762 is held in place by a pocket (not shown) formed by the first housing portion 841a and the second housing portion 841b. The ratchet arm 762 engages the outer teeth 852a of the main gear 852. First, even when the ratchet arm 762 is engaged with the outer teeth 852a of the main gear 852 at the time of assembly, the main gear 852 can rotate in both directions in the configuration of the ratchet arm 762 and the pocket that holds the ratchet arm 762. . This allows the creator of personal descent system 900 to properly position descent lifeline 902 relative to spool 1000 and housing 841. Once the descent lifeline 902 is properly positioned, the pin 764 is inserted into the pin opening 761 of the second housing portion 841b. Once inserted, the pin 764 engages the ratchet arm 762 so that, after deployment, the ratchet arm prevents the main gear 852 from rotating in a direction that rewinds the lowering lifeline 902 onto the spool 1000. It has become. This feature prevents the personal descent system 900 from being used more than once.

  Support structure coupling assembly 800 is further illustrated in detail in FIGS. Support structure coupling assembly 800 includes a D-ring 802. The D-ring 802 has a rescue portion 802a, a neck portion 802b, and a D-ring connection portion 802c. Rescue portion 802a includes a rescue opening 803. The D-ring connecting portion 802c includes a first arm 804a and a second arm 804b that are spaced apart from each other. The first arm 804a and the second arm 804b include aligned connection openings 807a and 807b, respectively. The support structure coupling assembly 800 further includes a biasing member 820. The biasing member 820 includes a first coil portion 820a, a second coil portion 820b, and an engagement portion 820c extending between the first coil portion 820a and the second coil portion 820b. Support structure coupling assembly 800 further includes a main connection member 906. The main connecting member 906 includes three spaced openings in this embodiment. In particular, the main connection member 906 includes a latch arm attachment opening 911, an adapter member opening 907, and a descending lifeline end opening 913. The latch arm attachment opening 911 selectively receives the latch arm 842 of the personal descent system 900 to selectively couple the support structure coupling assembly 800 to the housing 841. One feature of this design is that the latch arm 842 rotates freely within the latch arm attachment opening 911. Thus, if a falling situation occurs, the support structure coupling assembly 800 can move (i.e., rotate) relative to the housing 841 due to a sudden load. The descent lifeline termination opening 913 is used to connect the descent lifeline 902 to the main connector member 906. Support structure coupling assembly 800 further includes an adapter connection member 930. In this embodiment, adapter connection member 930 includes a base portion 932 having a central connection member path 931. Extending from one side of the base portion 932 are spaced D ring connection arms 932a and 932b having aligned D ring connection openings 929a and 929b. From the opposite side of the base portion 932, spaced device connection arms 932c and 932d extend. Separated device connection arms 932c and 932d include aligned device connection openings 933a and 933b, respectively. The D ring rivet 920 passing through the D ring connection openings 929a and 929b of the adapter connection member 930, the connection openings 807a and 807b of the D ring 802, and the adapter member opening 907 of the main connector member 906 includes the D ring 802, the main The connecting member 906 and the adapter connecting member 930 are coupled together. Further, the coil portions 820a and 820b of the biasing member 820 are received around the D-ring rivet 920 in such a manner that the engagement portion 820c of the biasing member 820 engages the neck portion 802b of the D-ring 802. The This configuration biases the D-ring 802 to the desired position.

  Referring to FIG. 13A, a partial front view of a personal descent system is illustrated. In this figure, a portion of the second housing portion has been removed to illustrate a portion of the internal components. In particular, FIG. 13A illustrates a lock pin 1252 coupled to an elongate portion 950b of a self-deployment system 950 (which can be generally referred to as a deployment system 950). As illustrated, a portion of both the elongate portion 950 b and the lock pin 1252 are received within the deployment path 740 of the housing 841. The lock pin 1252 is further selectively received within the lock opening 842a of the latch arm 842 to secure the latch arm 842 in a stationary position relative to the housing 841. A fixed biasing member 1254 received around a portion of the elongated portion 950b in the deployment path 740 applies a biasing force to the lock pin 1252 to attach at least a portion of the lock pin 1252 in the lock opening 842a. It is positioned to help. When the personal descent device 900 is activated, the elongated portion 950b (elongated portion) is pulled in a direction facing the urging force of the lock urging member 1254, and a part of the lock pin 1252 is latched by the latch arm. It is made to come off from the lock opening 842a of 842. A fuse 997, similar to fuse 150 described above, is also illustrated in FIG. 13A. In this configuration, even if the self-deployment system 950 or buddy deployment system 960 is pulled and the lock pin 1252 is disengaged from the lock opening 842a of the latch arm 842, the latch arm 842 applies a selected amount of force to the fuse 997. The personal descent device 900 is not activated unless the fuse 997 is destroyed and this causes the latch arm 842 to pivot. This prevents unintended activation of the personal descent device 900. This selected amount of force is related to the amount of force that the latch arm 842 provides when the personal descent device 900 is subjected to the weight of the user suspended after the fall.

  An enlarged view of the area labeled 990 is illustrated in FIG. 13B. Again, some of the components have been removed to illustrate how the device is configured. The buddy activation base member 1322 is configured similarly to the buddy activation base member 322 described above. In normal operation, stop 923 is located within seat 1323 of buddy activation base member 1322. In this embodiment, the buddy elongated portion 960a of the buddy deployment system 960 extends through the buddy connection path 1321 in the buddy activation base member 1322. A buddy stop 959 coupled to the terminal end of the buddy elongate portion 960a connects the buddy deployment system 960 to the buddy activation base member 1322. When the personal descent device 900 is activated using the buddy deployment device 960, the buddy elongated portion 960 a moves, so that the stop 923 (self-stop portion) of the self-deployment system 950 causes the buddy activation base member 1322 to move. The inclined section 1322a is raised. This operation opposes the urging force of the lock urging member 1254 so that a part of the lock pin 1252 is disengaged from the lock opening 842a of the latch arm 842. The slot 1319 of the buddy activation base member 1322 allows the elongate portion 950b of the self-deployment system 950 to separate from the buddy activation base member 1322 when the personal descent device 900 is activated. This configuration prevents the buddy deployment system 960 from interfering with the personal descent device 900 as the descent lifeline 902 is extended during the rescue descent. This also prevents the rescue hook and pole configuration used to engage the buddy deployment system 960 from being pulled away from the rescuer's hand during deployment of the personal descent device 900. This embodiment also includes a cylindrical mouth 757 similar to the cylindrical mouth 257 described above.

  FIG. 14 illustrates another partial front view of the personal descent device 900, with some components removed to further illustrate the configuration of the personal descent device 900. FIG. This figure illustrates the routing of the descent lifeline 902. As illustrated, the descent lifeline 902 is wound around the spool 1000, and in this example embodiment, the spool 1000 is contained within a sealed container 1200 (including but not limited to a plastic bag cover). Has been. Further, the descent lifeline 902 can be folded in a bag, held in a web loop, or vacuum sealed in a pack. The descent lifeline 902 is then routed into the housing 841. As illustrated, descent lifeline 902 is routed around routing pulley 810 and then brake pulley 812. The descent lifeline 902 then exits the housing 841, passes through the routing openings 1145 of the connection arms 847a and 847b of the housing 841 (only 847b is illustrated in FIG. 14), and then from around the connection arms 847a and 847b. The main connection member 906 is routed. FIG. 14 also illustrates a seal that protects the brake assembly 861 within the housing 841. In particular, FIG. 14 illustrates sealing bolts 872 and sealing washers 874 that couple the spool bracket 1110 to the housing 841 and provide a path for the descending lifeline 902 into the housing 841. Another seal in the path within the housing is a separation seal 870. Isolation seal 870 is shown around descent lifeline 902 where descent lifeline 902 exits housing 841. Separation seal 870 is designed to separate from housing 841 when personal descent device 900 is activated. FIG. 15 illustrates a rear view of the personal descent device 900. This figure illustrates spaced harness connection arms 1172a and 1172b extending from the housing 841 and housing connection pins 1174 coupled between the harness connection arms 1172a and 1172b. In use, a strap of a safety harness (not shown) is routed between the housing connection pin 1174 and the housing 841 to connect the personal descent device 900 to the safety harness.

  FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate the personal descent device 900 at various stages upon initial activation. In use, the personal descent device 900 is coupled to a safety harness worn by the operator as described above. A support structure lifeline (not shown) connected to the support structure is then connected to the personal descent device 900. In one embodiment, the lifeline is coupled to the D-ring 802 of the support structure coupling assembly 800. In another embodiment, the support structure lifeline is coupled to the adapter connection member 930 of the support structure coupling assembly 800. The support structure lifeline may be a self-winding lifeline or other type of lifeline known in the art. In FIG. 16A, the self-deployment system 950 has been pulled, which releases the lock pin 1252 from the lock opening 842a of the latch arm 842, as described above. If the force applied to the fuse 997 by the latch arm 842 is large enough to break the fuse 997 as described above, the latch arm 842 pivots as illustrated in FIG. 16A. As the latch arm 842 pivots, it slides out of the latch arm mounting opening 911 of the main connection member 906. As described above, the support structure connection assembly 800 is connected to a support structure lifeline (not shown). FIG. 16B shows that the latch arm 842 disengages the latch arm attachment opening 911 of the main connection member 906 and the support structure coupling assembly 800 is separable from the housing 841 coupled to the safety harness worn by the operator. The situation is illustrated.

  Referring to FIG. 17, this is an example of a containment system 1225 for housing the personal descent system 900 described above. The containment system 1225 includes a backpack 1220 (pouch) that is used to house at least a portion of the personal descent system 900. Extending from the side of the backpack 1220 is a self-expanding sleeve 1224 that is designed to accommodate at least a portion of the self-expanding system 950. A connection strap 1226 used to connect the self-expanding sleeve 1224 to the strap of the safety harness 1275 worn by the operator 1250 is attached near the end of the self-expanding sleeve 1224. An illustration of a containment system 1225 for use with a personal descent system 900 attached to a safety harness 1275 worn by an operator 1250 is illustrated in FIG. In one embodiment, the connection strap 1226 uses a connection system for coupling to a strap of the safety harness 1275, examples of which include but are not limited to hook and loop configurations. The self-expanding sleeve 1224 is positioned over the safety harness 1275 so that the operator's 1250 hand reaches the loop portion 950a of the self-expanding system 950.

  Another embodiment of a backpack 1230 of the containment system is shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the backpack 1230 includes a side path 1231 through which the activation connection portion 961b of the buddy deployment system 960 passes. This allows the rescuer to access the buddy deployment system 960. Accordingly, the buddy deployment system 960 can be activated by the rescuer holding the activation connection portion 961b with a hook or the like. FIG. 20 illustrates a portion of the inner chamber of the backpack 1230 that houses at least a portion of the personal descent system 900. In particular, this figure shows how the pocket 1233 is used to hold the activation base 961a of the buddy activation portion 961 in place. FIG. 21 further illustrates the front pocket cover 1240 of the backpack 1230. A front pocket cover 1240 is used to cover the existing back D-ring attached to the harness. An example of an existing D-ring 1241 is illustrated in FIG. The front pocket cover is used to prevent a user from mistakenly hooking the existing harness back D-ring 1241, rather than the D-ring 802 of the personal descent device 900. Bottom straps 1260 and 1262 are also illustrated in FIG. Bottom straps 1260 and 1262 include buckles 1261 and 1263, respectively, connected to the straps of harness 1275. Bottom straps 1260 and 1262 control the bottom of backpack 1230 on the strap of harness 1275.

  Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, those skilled in the art will appreciate that any configuration contemplated to accomplish the same purpose can be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. Will be done. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the present invention. Therefore, it is manifestly intended that the present invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

Claims (25)

A support structure coupling assembly designed and configured to be coupled to a descent lifeline;
A support structure coupling assembly including an adapter connection member designed and configured to couple various types of lifelines and lanyards to the support structure coupling assembly;
A control descent device selectively coupled to the support structure coupling assembly, wherein the control descent device is designed and configured to be coupled to a safety harness worn by a user, while the control descent device performs a descent lifeline extension. A personal descent system comprising a controlled descent device further designed to separate from the support structure coupling assembly during a descent operation. A D-ring coupled to the support structure coupling assembly;
The personal descent system of claim 1, further comprising a biasing member designed and configured to bias the D-ring to a desired position relative to the controlled lowering device. The support structure coupling assembly comprises:
At least one main connection member having an adapter member opening configured to couple the adapter connection member and configured to couple an end of the descending lifeline to the support structure coupling assembly; The personal descent system of claim 2, further comprising a main connecting member further comprising two descent lifeline termination openings. The control descent device is
A brake assembly engaged with the descent lifeline to control delivery of the descent lifeline;
A housing, wherein the brake assembly is received within the housing, the housing having an inlet path for the descent lifeline to enter the housing and brake assembly and an outlet path for exiting the housing When,
The personal descent system of claim 1, further comprising a separation seal designed and configured to seal the outlet passage.   The individual of claim 4, wherein the sealing bolt has a central path, wherein the sealing bolt is received in the inlet path of the housing, and the descent lifeline passes through the central path of the sealing bolt. Descent system.   A latch arm pivotally connected to the control lowering device, wherein the latch arm of the main connection member is mounted to selectively connect the control lowering device to the main connection member of the support structure connection assembly. The personal descent system of claim 1, further comprising a latch arm that is selectively received within the opening.   The main connection member of the support structure coupling assembly rests on an activation lock pin that holds the latch arm in a static position relative to the main connection member to facilitate activation of the control lowering device. The personal descent system of claim 6, wherein the personal descent system is engaged with the latch arm at a position on the latch arm that reduces load.   A deployment system designed and configured to selectively lock and unlock the latch arm to a control lowering device relative to the main connection member, wherein a portion of the deployment system includes the safety harness The personal descent system of claim 6, further comprising a deployment system positioned to be activated by a user.   The personal descent system of claim 6, further comprising a buddy deployment system designed and configured to be activated by a rescuer.   The personal descent system of claim 9, further comprising the buddy deployment system configured to separate from the personal descent system after activation of the deployment system.   7. The personal descent system of claim 6, further comprising a fuse pin designed and configured to retain the latch arm within the latch arm mounting opening of the main connection member in a situation where no fall has occurred. . A spool for holding the descending lifeline;
The personal descent system according to claim 1, further comprising a sealed container that receives the spool therein. A controlled lowering device including a lowering housing, the lowering housing having a deployment path and a cylindrical opening to the deployment path;
A deployment system designed and configured to deploy the control descent device to separate from the support structure coupling assembly during a descent operation, wherein the elongated portion through the deployment path in the descent housing is And is designed and configured to deploy the control descent device by pulling the elongated portion, and the curvature of the cylindrical opening is independent of the direction in which the elongated portion is pulled. The personal descent system of claim 1, further comprising a deployment system configured to not inhibit tension. A descent lifeline,
A support structure coupling assembly comprising:
A main connection member including a latch arm mounting opening, wherein the lowering lifeline is connected to the main connection member, and a support structure connection assembly including a D-ring connected to the main connection member When,
A controlled lowering device,
A housing designed and configured to be coupled to a safety harness worn by a user;
A latch arm pivotally coupled to the housing, selectively within the latch arm mounting opening of the main connection member for selectively coupling the support structure coupling assembly to the control lowering device. Accepted, latch arm,
A brake assembly received within the housing, wherein the brake assembly engaged with the lowering lifeline and the latch arm are selectively released to control delivery of the lowering lifeline; A controlled lowering device including a self-expanding system designed and configured to pivot with respect to the housing such that the latch arm is disengaged from the latch arm mounting opening of the main connection member. Personal descent system. The support structure coupling assembly comprises:
And further comprising an adapter connection member coupled to the main connection member, wherein at least one of the D-ring and the adapter connection member is designed and configured to couple a support lifeline to the support structure connection assembly. Item 15. A personal descent system according to item 14. The self-deployment system is:
An elongated portion, a portion of which is received in a deployment path in the housing;
A locking pin coupled to an end of the elongated portion, wherein the latch arm is selectively inserted into a fixed opening of the latch arm so as to selectively fix the latch arm in a stationary position with respect to the housing; Accepted lock pin,
A biasing member received in the deployment path of the housing, wherein the biasing member is positioned to exert a biasing force on the lock pin so as to enter the lock opening of the latch arm; The personal descent system of claim 14, further comprising a biasing member. A stop connected to the elongated portion;
A buddy activation base member including a seat, wherein the stop is received within the seat, and the buddy activation base member further includes an inclined surface;
A buddy elongate portion having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the buddy elongate portion is connected to the buddy activation base member, and the buddy elongate portion is The personal descent system of claim 16, further comprising: a buddy elongate portion coupled to a buddy activation portion designed and configured to be operated by a rescuer at the second end.   A containment system for containing the controlled lowering device, comprising a side path having a slot and extending through a part of the buddy activation part, wherein another part of the buddy activation part is located near the side path. The personal descent system of claim 17, further comprising a containment system further comprising a pocket for holding a portion. A descent lifeline,
A support structure coupling assembly comprising:
A main connection member including a latch arm attachment opening, wherein the lowering lifeline is connected to the main connection member, and an adapter connection member connected to the main connection member, A support structure coupling assembly including an adapter connection member designed and configured to couple a lifeline to the support structure coupling assembly;
A controlled lowering device,
A housing, a pair of spaced-apart descent connection arms extending from the housing, the pair of spaced-apart descent connection arms having a aligned routing opening;
A latch arm pivotally coupled between the lowering connection arms, wherein the latch arm mounting opening of the main connection member is for selectively coupling the support structure coupling assembly to the control lowering device. A latch arm, and a brake system housed within the housing, wherein the brake arm is engaged with the descent lifeline to at least partially control the payout of the descent lifeline. A controlled lowering device, including a braking system;
A spool for holding at least a portion of the lowering lifeline, wherein the lowering lifeline enters the housing inlet from the spool, passes through the brake system of the housing, and exits from the housing outlet. A personal descent system comprising: a spool routed through the aligned routing opening of the descent connection arm to the main connector member. A self-expanding system designed and configured to selectively allow the latch arm to pivot relative to the housing to separate the controlled lowering device from the support structure coupling assembly;
A buddy deployment system designed and configured to selectively allow the latch arm to pivot relative to the housing such that a rescuer separates the controlled lowering device from the support structure coupling assembly. 20. The personal descent system of claim 19, further comprising: A housing having a deployment path and a cylindrical opening to the deployment path;
A self-expanding system designed and configured to selectively allow the latch arm to pivot relative to the housing to separate the control lowering device from the support structure coupling assembly; The self-expanding system includes an elongated portion that passes through the deployment path in the housing, and the radius of curvature of the cylindrical opening is reduced regardless of the direction in which the elongated portion is pulled. 20. A personal descent system according to claim 19, further comprising a self-expanding system designed to not impede the pulling of the part being engaged. A separation seal positioned near the outlet of the housing;
20. The personal descent system of claim 19, further comprising a fuse positioned to prevent the latch arm from rotating relative to the housing until a selected amount of force is applied. A descent lifeline,
A support structure coupling assembly designed and configured to be coupled to the descent lifeline;
A controlled lowering device selectively coupled to the support structure coupling assembly, the controlled lowering device comprising:
A housing designed and configured to be coupled to a safety harness worn by a user, wherein the descent lifeline has an inlet path for entering the housing and an outlet path for exiting the housing;
A separation seal positioned near the outlet of the housing;
A brake assembly received in the housing, wherein the brake assembly is engaged with the descent lifeline to control delivery of the descent lifeline; and the control descent device is connected to the support structure coupling assembly. A controlled descent device, including a self-expanding system, designed and configured to selectively separate from
A spool designed and configured to hold at least a portion of the lowering line, wherein the lowering lifeline enters the inlet path from the spool to the housing;
A personal descent system comprising: a sealed container positioned around the spool to prevent moisture and litter from reaching the descent lifeline on the spool.   24. A sealing bolt having a central path, further comprising a sealing bolt received in the inlet path of the housing, wherein the descent lifeline passes through the central path of the sealing bolt. Personal descent system. The housing having a first housing portion and a second housing portion, the housing further comprising a deployment path for receiving the self-deployment system;
A housing seal positioned between the first housing portion and the second housing portion;
A first seal positioned near a first end of the deployment path;
24. The personal descent system of claim 23, further comprising a second seal positioned near the second end of the deployment path.

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